Thursday, August 14, 2014

When Michael Keaton was first announced as the star of Tim Burton's Batman many fans initially questioned his choice, especially because of his height, physicality and previous comedic roles, but he soon proved them wrong. When Val Kilmer replaced him as 'Bruce Wayne' in 1995's Batman Forever although he was more physically suitable, some believed he gave a wooden performance as the Caped Crusader in Joel Schumacher's first, more family-friendly, entry in the Batman movie franchise.

Original Sonar Bat-suit worn by Val Kilmer

and Robin costume worn by Chris O'Donnell in Batman Forever

In the movie the actor wore two different Bat-suits and one of these was on display as part of the Batman 75th Anniversary Exhibit at Warner Bros. Studios VIP Tour Museum on July 29, 2014.

Bob Ringwood and Ingrid Ferrin were responsible for Costume Design on the movie and this particular version is the prototype Sonar Bat-suit, which is more silvery and has the Bat logo incorporated into the design and spread across his chest. Batman is forced to use this outfit when The Riddler destroys his other Bat-suits.

Batman Forever movie poster

In addition to facing new cinematic villains Two-Face and The Riddler, the film also famously introduced Batman's young partner in crime-fighting, 'Robin', the Boy Wonder. The other half of the Dynamic Duo was played by Chris O'Donnell as the circus acrobat 'Dick Grayson'.

Original Robin movie costume worn by Chris O'Donnell

in Batman Forever

In the movie his circus perfumer parents and older brother 'The Flying Graysons' were killed by the psychotic Two-Face. Invited to stay at Wayne Manor, because Batman felt partly responsible for the creation of the villain, Dick soon discovers the Batcave and gets his own red-breasted crime-fighting muscle suit to help Batman defeat The Riddler and get his revenge on Two-Face.

In addition to the fantastical costumes from the movie, the exhibit which featured original items from all seven Batman movies, also had a selection of screen-used props from this third film.

Original Batwing model and screen-used film props

from Batman Forever

Mounted on the wall behind the costume display was Batman's new Batwing model, plus a selection of villains and hero weapons and artifacts used prominently in the film.Batman Forever may not have been one of my favourite installments, but it's always a treat to see costumes and props from the archives up close, that have been featured in these big budget blockbusters.

Stay tuned in the days to come for more cinematic goodies from 1997's Batman & Robin.